Miniature rose plant named `POULci`

ABSTRACT

A rose plant of the miniature class, a sport of the variety POULvic, having a different flower color from its parent.

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of roseplant of the miniature class which was discovered by us as a mutation ofthe variety POULvic, U.S. Plant Pat. No. 8,012.

This variety is unique and distinct from its parent variety, POULvic,principally in its flower color. Instead of having petals that are ofRed Group 45C color, the petals are Red Group 56C on their upper sidesand Red Group 56A on their reverse sides.

Asexual reproduction of this new variety by softwood cuttings, asperformed at Somis, Calif., and Fredensborg, Denmark, shows that theforegoing characteristics and distinctions come true to form and areestablished and transmitted through succeeding propagations.

The accompanying illustration shows typical specimens of the vegetativegrowth and flowers of this new variety in different stages ofdevelopment, depicted in color as nearly true as it is reasonablypossible to make the same in a color illustration of this character.

The following is a detailed description of my new rose cultivar withcolor descriptions using terminology in accordance with The RoyalHorticultural Society (London) Colour Chart, except where ordinarydictionary significance of color is indicated.

FLOWER

Observations made from specimens grown in a greenhouse environment atFredensborg, Denmark, in 1989.

Blooming habit: Continuous.

Bud:

Size.--1.6 cm long when the petals start to unfurl.

Form.--Pointed ovoid.

Color.--When sepals first divide, bud color is Red Group 56C. When halfblown, the upper sides of the petals are Red Group 56C; and the lowersides of the petals are Red Group 56A.

Sepals.--Color: Reddish green. Surface texture: Covered in fine hairs.There are three normally appendaged sepals. There are two unappendagedsepals with hairy edges.

Receptacle.--Color: Green. Shape: Apple. Size: Small. Surface: Smooth.

Peduncle.--Length: Medium. Surface: Smooth. Color: Light green.Strength: Bending.

Bloom:

Size.--Small. Average open size is 3.5 cm in diameter.

Borne.--Several together, in rounded-to-flat clusters averaging 3 to 7flowers.

Stems.--Medium (average length 15 to 18 cm); strong, for a pot rose.

Form.--When first open: High centered. Permanence: Flattens, outer petaledges slightly curled.

Petalage.--Number of petals under normal conditions: 30 to 40.

Color.--The upper side of the petals is Red Group 56C. The reverse sideof the petals is Red Group 56A. The base of petals in White Group 155C.The major color on the upper side is Red Group 56C.

Variegations.--None, except on guard petals, where there is anoccasional greenish streak.

Discoloration.--There is no change in general tonality at the end of thefirst day. At the end of the third day, there is a gradual lightening incolor to Red Group 56D.

Fragrance.--Slight.

Petals:

Texture.--Leathery.

Shape.--Oval, pointed.

Form.--Tips slightly recurved.

Arrangement.--Imbricated, with few petaloids in the center.

Persistence.--Drop off cleanly.

Lastingness.--On the plant: Very long (10 to 15 days). As a cut flower:Very long (15 days).

Reproductive parts:

Anthers.--Size: Small. Quantity: Many. Color: Yellow. Arrangement:Regular around styles.

Filaments.--Color: White.

Pollen.--Color: Gold yellow.

Styles.--Color: White.

Stigmas.--Color: Yellow.

Form: Bush.

Growth: Dwarf. Maximum height as a pot rose is 20 to 25 cm.

Foliage:

Number of leaflets on normal mid-stem leaves.--5.

Size.--Small.

Quantity.--Abundant to normal.

Color.--New foliage: Green Group 138B. Reverse: Green Group 138C. Oldfoliage: Green Group 137A, slightly red on reverse.

Leaflets:

Shape.--Oval pointed.

Texture.--Upper side: Leathery.

Edge.--Serrated.

Serration.--Single, small.

Petiole rachis.--Color: Green.

Petiole underside.--Smooth.

Stipules.--Short, smooth, bearded.

Disease resistance.--Resistant to mildew under normal greenhouseconditions in Denmark and in Somis, Calif.

Wood:

New wood.--Color: Light green. Bark: Smooth.

Old wood.--Color: Green. Bark: Smooth.

Prickles:

Quantity.--Few on main canes from base and on laterals from main canes.

Form.--Short, straight.

Color when young.--Green at base shading to red at tip, quickly turningall green.

Small prickles:

Quantity.--Few on main stalks and on laterals.

Color.--Green.

We claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of rose plant of the miniatureclass, substantially as herein shown and described, a sport of thevariety POULvic characterized particularly by its flower colordifference from its parent.